Thick activation detectors for neutron spectrometry using different unfolding methods: sensitivity analysis and dose calculation

This paper discusses the use of threshold detectors of extended sizes for low intensity neutron fields' characterization.The detectors were tested by the measurement of the neutron spectrum of an 241Am–Be source. Integral quantities characterizing the neutron field, required for radiological protection, have been derived by unfolding the measured data. A good agreement is achieved between the obtained results and those deduced using Bonner spheres. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the results to the deconvolution procedure is given.

► Low intensity neutron fields' characterization using thick threshold detectors.
► Low activity 241Am–Be neutron source spectrum measurement.
► Integral quantities required for radiological protection have been derived.
► The results are in good agreement with those deduced using Bonner spheres.
► The results are not very sensitive to the chosen deconvolution procedure.